Your Visit to Noto - the Baroque Capital of Sicily

Noto is one of the undiscovered gems of Europe and the baroque capital of Sicily.

Noto, lends it's name, to the the eight towns of the Val di Noto recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1693, much of southeast Sicily was destroyed by Europe's largest earthquake and, in the years that followed, was rebuilt in the architecture of the day, late Baroque.

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The Patron Saint of Noto

Begin your exploration of Noto from the statue of Saint Corrado (San Corrado). Saint Corrado is the Patron Saint of Noto, born in Calendasco, Italy, in 1290, he was a nobleman who later embraced the calling to a religious life. He dedicated himself to prayer and serving the poor and spent his latter years living as a hermit in caves near Noto.

On a clear day, you can see the sea from the statue. Opposite is a tree-lined street that leads you into central Noto. Under the shade of the trees are market stalls selling local things, as with all markets of varying quality.

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The City Gate to Noto

Walk west along a tree-lined street with market stalls sitting in the shade. Within a few minutes, you will see the magnificent city gate. By night, the Italian flag is patriotically projected on it. Entering through the gate takes you into Noto’s main street, or in Italian, the Corso.

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Noto's San Nicolo Cathedral

Walking along the Corso, you will reach Noto's breathtaking Saint Nicolo Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Nicolo). It was built in the early 18th century, reflecting the late baroque architecture of the day and was completed in 1776. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra. The grand staircase in three flights leads to the main doors. Once inside, another highlight is the cathedral’s large dome, considered one of the most beautiful in Italy.

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The Bell Town of San Carlo Church

Continuing along the Corso, don’t miss the Church of San Carlo Borromeo on the left. As you enter the door, there is a volunteer at a table to whom you can pay a few euros for a ticket to walk the tiny, narrow steps to the bell tower. The top of the tower offers some of the city's best views.

Noto's Caffe Sicilia

Back on the Corso, you will find the infamous Caffe Sicilia, which serves well-known sweet treats and granita. This is another great pit stop for refreshments.

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Noto's Inforate

Opposite Cafe Sicilia is Via Corrado Nicolaci, which hosts Noto’s famous Infiorate or Flower Festival, which takes place on the third weekend of May every year. The street is covered with pictures brought to life with thousands of colourful flower petals.

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Noto's Grand Palace

Via Corrado Nicolaci, is also the home of Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata. Built in the 18th century for one of the region’s most influential and noble families, the palace is renowned for its ornate facade and balconies adorned with mythological figures, faces and animals.

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The Noto Theatre

Further along the Corso is Piazza XVI Maggio, an open area with a large tree, fountain and elegant theatre, Vittorio Emanuele.

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The Noto Staircases

Turning back along the Corso, the first street to the left is Via Rocco Pirri, one of the most vibrant streets in the city. At the top of this street is a staircase that connects downtown Noto to Noto alta (meaning high), the historic residential neighbourhood. Along Via Camillo Benso di Cavour are two other staircases. Each year, the picture on the steps is changed to reflect the theme of that year’s Infiorata.

While you wander, you may want to indulge in some shopping therapy, or take lunch, an aperitivo or dinner.

Enjoy your visit to Noto, the baroque capital of Sicily!